Gas prices show no signs of falling. In fact, a new record high seems to hit every week. What is an SUV owner supposed to do? If you need an SUV for all the right reasons -- space, comfort, looks and fun -- do you now have to abandon your SUV for a sedan or a wagon?
No -- you might just have to find a more fuel efficient SUV. There are plenty of fun, efficient SUVs and crossover vehicles on the market. Here's a roundup of the Top Ten models, according the EPA:
1. 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
Four Wheel Drive: 32 city/29 highway
For a premium of about $3,400 over a comparably equipped gas-only Escape, Ford's Escape Hybrid delivers class-leading fuel economy and high tech hybrid performance. A few years ago, you had to figure on driving over a decade to save enough money on fuel to pay for the hybrid option; now you can recoup the cost before the term of your car loan expires.
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive and Review
2. 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Test Drive and Review
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Photo Gallery
3. 2007 Lexus RX 400h
Base price: $41,180 - $42,580Front Wheel Drive: 32 city/27 highway
Four Wheel Drive: 31 city/27 highway
Is there such a thing as economy without compromise? The Lexus RX 400h comes close. You can load up your hybrid Lexus with a ton of luxury options, and you'll still get amazing fuel efficiency and kick-in-the-pants acceleration on demand when the electric motor joins the fun.
2007 Lexus RX 400h Test Drive and Review
2007 Lexus RX 400h Photo Gallery
4. 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Base price: $23,490 - $36,550Front Wheel Drive: 32 city/27 highway
Four Wheel Drive: 31 city/27 highway
With its practical styling, no-nonsense attitude and great utility, the Highlander Hybrid is a true mainstream vehicle. Offered in two trim levels (Base and Limited), Highlander can be decked out with leather, three rows of seating, all-wheel drive and a navigation system, approaching Lexus levels of luxury and prices.
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Test Drive and Review
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Photo Gallery
5. 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line (Hybrid)
Base price: $22,370Front Wheel Drive: 27 city/32 highway
The most affordable hybrid gas-electric SUV on the market, the Saturn Vue Green Line is surprisingly refined and pleasant to drive. Critics have carped that the Green Line's hybrid is "mild" -- it won't run exclusively on electric power at low speeds like the Toyota-derived system -- but it's hard to argue with the combination of capacity and efficiency.
2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Preview Photo Gallery
6. 2007 Jeep Compass
Base price: $15,425 - $21,925Front Wheel Drive: 26 city/30 highway (MT); 24 city/27 highway (CVT)
Four Wheel Drive: 25 city/29 highway (MT); 23 city/26 highway (CVT)
The Jeep Compass is the smallest of the Jeep lineup, and the most fuel efficient. It still retains a bit of the Jeep heritage and off-road prowess, but if you're looking for a genuine mud-whomper, you have to look further up in the lineup. The Compass shares a frightfully large percentage of its parts with the Dodge Caliber.
2007 Jeep Compass Limited 4x4 Test Drive and Review
7. 2007 Jeep Patriot
Base price: $14,425 - $21,430Front Wheel Drive: 24 city/27 highway
Four Wheel Drive: 23 city/26 highway
Jeep claims that the Patriot is the "most capable vehicle in its class," and they may be right. Extremely capable off-road when equipped with the "Freedom Drive" package of enhancements, the Patriot is roomy and rugged, a possible fuel-efficient replacement for that aging Wrangler or Cherokee in your driveway.
8. 2007 Toyota RAV4
Base price: $20,950 - $26,520Front Wheel Drive: 24 city/30 highway
Four Wheel Drive: 23 city/27 highway
A favorite since its introduction in 1996, RAV4 got a makeover for 2006. The former cute-ute is now all grown up, with a refined ride and features. Some less than lovely plastic betrays the price point of the build, but an overall solid, Toyota-like vehicle that delivers good fuel economy along with good performance.
2007 Toyota RAV4 Test Drive and Review
2007 Toyota RAV4 Photo Gallery
9. 2007 Honda CR-V
Base price: $20,600 - $28,000Front Wheel Drive: 23 city/30 highway
Four Wheel Drive: 22 city/28 highway
An excellent vehicle and a great value, the Honda CR-V is possibly the best compact SUV on the market today. Redesigned for 2007, CR-V is a thoroughly refined vehicle that delivers great utility, comfort and performance in an attractive, fuel efficient package. Tough to beat.
2007 Honda CR-V Test Drive and Review
10. 2007 Saturn Vue
Base price: $17,475 - $23,710Front Wheel Drive (manual five-speed) : 23 city/29 highway
Front Wheel Drive (automatic): 22 city/27 highway
All Wheel Drive (V6 automatic): 19 city/25 highway
Squeaking in under the wire with a manual transmission is the Saturn Vue. In its last year of production before a makeover, the Vue is a pleasantly appointed vehicle with good space and utility and a surprisingly supple ride. All-wheel drive is only available with the larger V6 engine, substantially impacting fuel economy.
